A Prayer Three Weeks In
From Richard Topping at the Vancouver School of Theology;
Dr. Topping included in a recent email from VST a prayer written by a fellow minister, the Rev. Dr. John Moses;
God of life, God of love unconquered and unconquerable, we long for the day when we shall all be unbound and set free from the uncertainty and the fear and the isolation and the loneliness of this dark time.
But, right now, we need you to be with us; we need to feel your presence; we need to hear your Spirit calling to our spirits; we need to know that the darkness is not dark to you.
In faith, in hope, in longing, we offer our prayers.
We pray for the people who sit alone waiting for a phone call or an email or Facebook message or a wave from the neighbour across the street. May they not wait in vain.
We pray for those who struggle with depression, for whom these strange circumstances must be especially challenging. May they not be consumed by despair.
We pray for family members and friends who are far away, some of them living where the Covid-19 virus is taking a devastating toll. May they stay safe and well and may they know of our love and concern.
We pray for the people who work in health care, for first responders and law enforcement officers, who have to carry on regardless of the risk to themselves. May they not be overwhelmed and may they find courage and strength.
We pray for the check out clerks and the shelf-stockers and all the other unsung heroes whose work allows life to go on. May they not be overwhelmed and may they find courage and strength.
We pray for the farmers and food producers. May they find the labourers they need as the growing season approaches and may they not become discouraged.
We pray for the leaders of our own and other countries who are bearing heavy burdens and facing enormous challenges. May they find grace and wisdom. May they rise to meet the demands of this hour.
We pray for the church and for all faith communities as they keep the lights shining in the night. May the dawn come quickly. God of steadfast love and mercy unfailing, hear our prayer. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
